S Wonderful

I like the music, but I'm dismayed that this copy, apparently made by Amazon, is bare-bones, with extremely minimal information about the contents of the CD. I'll be careful not to order one of this type of copy again. I would caution others, unless they don't want basic facts about the personnel and the tracks.

This recording I first heard being played as background music in a prominent Houston vegetarian restaurant, and I was so affected by itsbeauty I got the manager to go find out the title. When I found it wasproduced in Japan even though it is a recording by an American, I knewI might find it difficult to acquire by a local dealer. I turned toAmazon and was delighted to obtain it for my CD collection. I continueto listen to it at home; it does not gather dust as I am so fond of it.

Bill Charlap has his own unique style. A mixture of Keith Jarret, Oscar Peterson, and George Shearing. I'm not a musician or a critic, just a listener with a very discerning ear. I love piano music, and Charlap's album S Wonderful is just that..S Wonderful!!

I could listen to Bill Charlap every day of my life, and, between home and car, I think I really do hear, at some point in the day, something he has recorded. I have followed his career since I first heard him on a Jazz Cruise in 1996, and it has been such a pleasure to see him take his rightful place in the music world. If you are unfamiliar with his work, please do yourself a favor and buy some of his CD's. My favorite is "Written in the Stars", but there are many from which to choose, and I'm sure you can find an album that includes your favorite melodies. A consummate musician!

You just won't hear any better than this when it comes to the American Songbook. These standards are played with such depth and understanding. Bill Charlap is perhaps the greatest interpreter of these songs today, and his encyclopedic knowledge of this music is astounding. Such feeling and dedication to the music transcends any need to prove himself. These musicians work together so well and they really are a sheer pleasure to listen to. The selections are a fine cross section of Rodgers, Gershwin, Strayhorn, etc. And what fine sound this recording captures with the Japanese Venus label's proprietary 24 bit Hyper Magnum Sound. Five discs in this series so far from Venus. I hope they keep them coming.

This trio is absolutely perfect in every way. The Washington brothers swing so very hard, and Bill is totally at ease and deep in the groove. The title track is a perfect mix of jazz tradition and the modern flawless style of Charlap. Every jazz pianist should own this record.